JP4088640B2 - Storing structures in electronic devices - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to the storage of structures in electronic devices.

  This application is filed on Jul. 30, 2004 in the name of Solomon, Moore, Harris, Douzy, Anderson, Volk, and Green Benau. ), The entirety of the above US patent application is incorporated herein by reference.

  As computers and other electronic devices develop, these devices evolve to become more multifunctional. For example, portable and handheld computers, as their processor power, screen resolution, and screen size improve, function as multimedia platforms that can be used to play music or video or play games I was able to do it. Similarly, digital cameras and camcorders can store video files that can be played by these devices when the devices are connected to a television, monitor, or computer. As another example, music players and other audio playback devices are used to play audio files residing on a connected computer or stereo system.

  Users may prefer to utilize these electronic devices with certain controllers or accessories. For example, a user may prefer to play a game using a game controller or interface similar to that used when using a dedicated game console. Similarly, a user viewing video or music stored on a portable electronic device may desire to use a familiar remote control or interface.

  However, as long as portable and handheld computers and other types of portable electronic devices are designed to be easily and conveniently carried, it is not possible to carry separate equipment such as controllers, cables, connectors, etc. with the device. Inconvenient. Similarly, as long as the portable electronic device uses an insertable storage medium such as a memory card or memory stick, it may not be desirable to carry additional removable media with the device.

  As described below, some embodiments of the present invention include portable or handheld computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), digital cameras or camcorders, audio players (eg, Motion Picture Experts Group (MPEG) audio layer 3 ( MP3) comprises a method, apparatus or system for storing auxiliary equipment used with electronic devices such as players, etc., or other portable or non-portable electronic devices configured to play files according to the standard . Some exemplary embodiments utilize a peripheral or memory device bay accessible by a user within the housing of the electronic device, which is an insertable component or medium such as a peripheral card, storage device, or memory card Configured to interface with. For example, the device bay described herein consists of one or more peripheral card slots, such as a slot configured to accept a peripheral card according to the Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) standard or Express Card standard. Is done. Similarly, the device bay may be comprised of slots suitable for engaging and reading various media such as optical disks, magnetic disks, memory cards, or other storage media. Further, the device bay may be composed of bays or compartments configured to fit storage devices or readers such as optical disk drives and floppy disk drives, or removable hard drives. If a peripheral device, storage medium, storage device, etc. are not in a device bay configured for them, this device bay may be used instead to securely store other structures or equipment. it can.

  Referring to the figures, FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of an electronic device in the form of a portable computer 10 such as a laptop computer, notebook computer, or tablet computer. The housing 12 of the portable computer 10 includes various device bays configured to receive removable components or media that function within the bay. For example, the device bay is configured to connect directly to the device, such as by an electrical interface, when a properly configured device is inserted into the bay. When so connected, the inserted device functions with other components such as a bus, memory, or processor internal to the portable computer 10 that are electrically connected to the device. For example, the housing 12 may include one or more peripheral card slots, such as a PCMCIA card slot or an express card slot, configured to electrically connect and connect to a peripheral card such as a network adapter, modem, or removable hard drive. 14 is included. As will be appreciated, this type of peripheral card is generally designed to enhance the functionality of the portable computer 10 when inserted into each bay or slot, and correctly with each electrical connector when inserted into the bay. Join. However, many structures such as, but not limited to, electronic devices, storage containers, rechargeable structures, etc. may be configured to lack a connector suitable for direct connection to the bay interface. Such a structure interacts with the electronic device via other communication means, eg, wireless, a separate cable connected to a dedicated outlet on the device housing.

  If the functionality provided by the peripheral card or other removable device is not required, the bay corresponding to the illustrated peripheral card slot 14 may be empty. In such situations, according to embodiments of the present invention, this empty bay is utilized to securely store other equipment or devices such as structure 16. For example, when not in use, the structure 16 is configured to be able to be present in the bay, which in this case is retained in the bay or fitted inside the bay. , Being arranged to occupy part or all or most of the inside of the bay. If the user wants to remove the structure 16 present in the bay, the structure can be removed using a removal mechanism commonly used to remove a peripheral card or other removable device configured for the slot or bay. 16 is taken out. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the user simply pulls the structure 16 with sufficient force to overcome the resistance or engagement force that holds the structure 16 in the bay, such as the peripheral card slot 14.

  In one embodiment, the structure 16 is an electronic device, such as a universal serial bus (USB) hub or input device or control device, that communicates or connects with the portable computer 10. However, communication or connection with the portable computer 10 need not be through a connector in the slot or bay in which the structure 16 is stored. For example, if the structure 16 is not stored in a bay, the portable computer 10 may be, but is not limited to, wireless means such as infrared or radio frequency, or by cable connection to a dedicated interface on the housing of the portable computer 10. It may be a controller or other input device that can communicate with. Examples of some electronic devices include remote controls, game controllers, and optical and non-optical mice.

  In another embodiment, the structure 16 connects to the connector (s) in each bay, such as the peripheral card slot 14. For example, the structure 16 is connected in the bay to charge the battery of the structure 16. In one exemplary embodiment, the connection between the structure 16 and the connector (s) transfers power, not data, between the structure 16 and the portable computer 10 or other electronic device. Thus, the rechargeable components of the structure 16 such as a battery are charged from the power source of the portable computer 10 or from the power sent to the portable computer 10 via an AC power cord or the like plugged into an electrical outlet. The In one such embodiment, the structure 16 is charged when not in use (ie, stored in the device bay), so that it is charged when removed from the bay or at other times. The structure 16 is ready for use (its intended function). For example, the controller or input device of the above example has a rechargeable battery that is charged via a limited or dedicated connection to the electrical interface in the illustrated peripheral card slot 14 when stored in a bay. Including. With such a limited interface, there is little or no communication connection between the structure 16 and the portable computer 10 or other electronic device.

  As shown in the previous example, the structure 16 may be an electronic device, but may also be a simple mechanical structure such as a containment vessel. In one such embodiment, structure 16 is used to store any item suitable for the size of structure 16. For example, fixtures for use with portable computer 10 or other electronic devices are stored in this manner. For example, a storage structure may be used to store various storage media that can be read by the portable computer 10 or another electronic device. Examples of storage media that can be stored in this way include memory sticks, memory cards including secure digital (SD) memory cards, multimedia cards (MMC), mini optical disks, and the like. Similarly, a cable, such as a network cable, telephone cable, or USB cable, that can be used with the portable computer 10 or other electronic device is stored in a suitable structure 16. However, since articles not related to the use of the portable computer 10, such as paper clips, rubber bands, rubber, etc., are also stored in this way, the user can store and transport other articles not related to the use of the electronic device. Also good.

  Embodiments in accordance with the present invention include a variety of portable and non-portable electronic devices, portable or non-portable electronic devices. For example, referring now to FIG. 2, a portable electronic device such as a PDA or handheld computer 20 is illustrated. The portable electronic device includes a user-accessible device bay, such as a memory card slot or peripheral card slot 14, for storage and other functions, storage or other functions when the slot 14 is empty. Similarly used, other electronic devices such as MP3 and other audio players, digital cameras and camcorders, portable digital video disc (DVD) players, etc. also include compartments or bays for insertion of functional components or storage media Or, if these compartments or bays are empty, they are used to store other equipment or media for use with that device or another electronic device.

  The following description provides examples of various structures 16 that illustrate or detail some of the concepts described above. For purposes of explanation, the following example will be described with respect to the storage situation in a peripheral card slot, particularly a PCMCIA card slot. However, in view of the foregoing, those skilled in the art will appreciate that other device bays are also intended to store devices and structures according to embodiments of the present invention, and the following examples are merely illustrative.

  For example, referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a remote control 30 configured to be inserted and securely held in a PCMCIA card slot, such as found in a portable or handheld computer. . In particular, the remote control 30 includes a spacer 32 that prevents the remote control 30 from contacting an electrical connector in the PCMCIA card slot of the electronic device. In this way, the connector in the PCMCIA card slot is not damaged by insertion and storage in the slot of the remote controller 30. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the removal mechanism found in the PCMCIA card slot, activated by the spacer 32, can eject the remote control 30.

  In one embodiment, the remote control 30 of FIG. 3 is battery operated and does not contact a connector in the device bay, eg, in a PCMCIA card slot. However, in another embodiment, remote control 30 includes a receptacle or connection on spacer 32 that contacts each power connector at the end of the bay to allow recharging of the power supply in the remote control. . In this embodiment, the remote control 30 is charged by the spacer 32 when the remote control 30 is stored in the bay, but the remote control 30 comes into contact with other interface structures in the bay or damages other interfaces in the bay. Giving is prevented.

  Referring now to FIG. 4, an alternative embodiment of a rechargeable remote controller 40 is provided. As in the previous embodiment, in this embodiment, the rechargeable remote control 40 is configured to be charged when stored in a device bay, eg, in a PCMCIA card slot. In particular, the rechargeable remote control 40 includes all or part of a charging interface 42 that mates with a connector in a peripheral card slot. In the illustrated embodiment, the charging interface 42 does not include a receptacle or contact that fully mates with the available connector 46 (shown in FIG. 5) of the peripheral card slot 14. Instead, the charging interface 42 is configured to connect to some or all of the power pins 48 of the supplemental peripheral card slot interface. In the illustrated example, the rechargeable remote control 40 engages and electrically couples to the peripheral card slot power pins, eg, pins 1, 17, 34, 35, 51, and 68 of the PCMCIA card slot. A pin receptacle 44 is included. In this way, the battery or other rechargeable medium in the rechargeable remote control 40 is charged while the remote control 40 is not in use and is stored in the peripheral card slot or other bay.

  A remote control is a type of electronic device that is stored in the peripheral card slot of a portable electronic device or in another bay, while other devices such as USB hubs or other types of controllers are also stored in this way. Is done. For example, referring now to FIG. 5, a foldable game controller 50 is shown. The illustrated game controller includes a first portion 52 and a second portion 54 connected by a hinge 56. As shown in FIG. 5, when the two portions 52 and 54 are closed in the closed position, the game controller 50 can be inserted into and removed from the pair of empty peripheral card slots 14. When removed from the peripheral card slot 14, the two portions 52 and 54 of the game controller 50 open to the open position as shown in FIG. 6 so that the game control interface 59 is visible as shown in FIG. In the illustrated embodiment, the game control interface 59 includes an action button and a pause button 60 and a direction control unit 62 such as a joystick interface. The illustrated game controller 50 communicates with a suitable game device, such as a portable or handheld computer, via wireless means. In this embodiment, the game controller 50 includes a compartment, such as a hinge compartment 58, into which a battery for powering the game controller 50 is inserted. In the illustrated embodiment, one or more for charging a battery of the game controller 50 when the game controller 50 is stored in the peripheral card slot 14, as described above in connection with FIG. An interface 42 is provided. In particular, the power pin receptacle 44 of the charging interface 42 engages some or all of the power pins 48 of the available connector 46. In other embodiments, the charging interface 42 may not be present and the battery is replaced by the user as needed instead of being stored and charged in each bay.

  Alternatively, in another embodiment, a cabled game controller 64 is provided as shown in FIG. In this embodiment, a cable 66 and a connector 68 such as a USB connector are stored in a hinge compartment 58. In the illustrated embodiment, cabled game controller 64 is powered through cable 66 when connector 68 is inserted into an auxiliary receptacle of a gaming device such as a portable or handheld computer. In other embodiments, as described above, the cabled game controller 64 may be battery powered or be rechargeable by the battery. Alternatively, the cable 66 and connector 68 need not be stored in the hinge compartment 58, but instead may be stored as desired within the game controller 64.

  Controllers and other input devices are representative of certain types of devices that are inserted for storage in a bay of electronic devices, but other types of devices and structures, other types of devices or structures, Moreover, it is stored in this way. For example, a storage structure 70 configured to be stored in a slot or bay of an electronic device is shown in FIG. The containment structure 70 has a containment space 72 that is accessed by moving all or part of the movable part 74 of the containment structure housing. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the hinged movable portion 74 of the storage structure housing is as described above and therefore rotates between an open position and a closed position. In other embodiments, the movable portion 74 may be configured to slide between an open position and a closed position, or may be configured to move in other ways known to those skilled in the art.

  The accessible storage space 72 may be used to store media such as a memory card or memory stick for use with an electronic device or a reader of another electronic device. Although storage of the storage medium is one possibility, in practice, any one or more items that fit within the storage structure 70 may be stored by the user. For example, device replacement parts such as screws, nuts, and bolts may be stored in the storage space 72. Similarly, office supplies such as paper clips, rubber bands, and adhesive sticky notes may be stored in the storage space 72. Thus, the storage structure 70 comprises a storage device or compartment that is repeatedly inserted and removed from the bay of the electronic device.

  Similarly, in one embodiment shown in FIG. 10, a cable storage structure 80 configured to be stored in a slot or bay of an electronic device is provided. The illustrated cable storage structure 80 is configured to store at least one type of cable 82, such as a network cable, telephone cable, USB cable, or the like. In use (when stored in the bay), the stored cable 82 is pulled out of the cable storage structure 80 for connection with each socket or plug configured with a corresponding connector 84. Used. In the illustrated embodiment, the cable 82 is accessible when the cable storage structure 80 is stored in a slot or bay of the electronic device, but this need not be the case in all embodiments.

  In a further exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 11, a charging structure 90 is provided. Charging structure 90 is a charge used to connect to some or all of the power pins of a peripheral card slot such as a PCMCIA slot or other power connectors in the bay into which charging structure 90 is inserted. Interface 42 is included. In the illustrated embodiment, the charging structure 90 includes a battery receptacle 92 that is configured to receive one or more batteries 94 for charging. The illustrated charging structure 90 also includes a battery removal mechanism that is actuated by a removal button 96 to facilitate removal of the battery 94 from the structure 90. In other embodiments, no take-out mechanism is provided and the user simply applies force to overcome the resistance force that holds the battery 94 within the charging structure 90.

  Referring now to FIG. 12, another embodiment of a storable structure, indicated generally by the reference numeral 100, which is a mouse. The mouse 100 may be an optical mouse and is powered by a rechargeable battery 116 within the mouse. When the mouse is in use, the mouse 100 communicates wirelessly with the portable computer 10 or other portable electronic device. For example, mouse 100 is configured to communicate with a Bluetooth wireless network device on which portable computer 10 or other portable electronic device is provided.

  In the embodiment shown in FIG. 12, mouse 100 is configured as a device that fits within PCMCIA type III device bay 14 (see FIG. 5). However, the mouse 100 alternatively has a different shape and size, or a different shape or size, so that it fits into another configuration of the device bay 14. The PCMCIA Type III device has a nominal length of 85.6 mm, a nominal width of 54 mm, and a nominal thickness of 10.5 mm. Although this is smaller than a normal computer mouse, the embodiment of the mouse 100 shown in FIG. 12 is large enough to be ergonomically acceptable for normal use. At one end 102 that is inserted deepest into the PCMCIA bay, the mouse 100 is thinned to a thickness of about 3 mm and is a terminal portion like a charging interface 42 similar to that shown in FIG. As shown with respect to connector 46 in FIG. 5, the interface in PCMCIA Type III bay 14 consists of two PCMCIA Type I / II connectors aligned in parallel with each other so that a PCMCIA Type III slot has two PCMCIA Type I / II. Can be used for devices. The charging interface 42 of the mouse 100 is configured to engage one of the two connectors 46 in the bay 14. According to the PCMCIA standard, it is possible that the interface power pins are not controlled by the host computer device driver. Thus, the mouse 100 can be configured to connect to power pins without connecting to any data pins and without having to install a PCMCIA device driver. Thus, the PCMCIA bay supplies power to the charger 118 of the mouse 100 as required, while the mouse 100 battery is charged under the control of the charger 118. The charging interface 42 of the mouse 100 consists of a standard connector that is operably connected in the bay and has no data pins and only power pins.

  At the other end (finger end) 104 on the user's finger during use of the mouse 100, the mouse 100 of this embodiment has a body 105, which is the height allowed by the PCMCIA type III format. However, the height is as high as 10.5 mm at the maximum. Mouse 100 may be thinner than 10.5 mm. This maximum height of the mouse 100 continues from the finger end 104 over almost the entire surface of most mice 100. Thinner or thicker forms may be utilized.

  In this embodiment, the finger end 104 of the mouse 100 has two mouse buttons 106, 108 and a scroll wheel 110. Other configurations are possible, including a mouse with three mouse buttons, or a mouse with two buttons and no scroll wheel. When the mouse 100 is inserted into the PCMCIA bay, the finger end 104 of the mouse 100 is typically exposed outside at the bay opening. Accordingly, the finger end 104 of the mouse 100 is preferably substantially flat and is a flat surface that is flush with the surface of the computer 12 surrounding the PCMCIA bay 14. In one alternative embodiment, the finger end 104 of the mouse 100 may protrude slightly outside the computer 12 when the mouse is fully inserted into the PCMCIA bay 14. In this alternative embodiment, mouse 100 is longer than the standard length of PCMCIA bay 14. In a further alternative embodiment, the protruding finger end 104 may be thicker than the height of the PCMCIA bay 14. However, as can be seen from FIG. 12, the finger end 104 of the mouse 100 need not occupy the entire rectangular shape of the opening of the PCMCIA bay 14. In this embodiment, the side 112 of the mouse 100 is the same thickness as the end 102 with the charging interface 42 so that it fits under the guide rail that exists along the side of the PCMCIA type III bay 14. That's it. In one alternative embodiment, the finger end 104 of the mouse 100 may protrude slightly outside the computer 12 when the mouse 100 is fully inserted into the PCMCIA bay 14. In this alternative embodiment, mouse 100 is longer than the standard length of PCMCIA bay 14. In a further alternative embodiment, the protruding finger end 104 may be thicker than the height of the PCMCIA bay 14.

  The body 105 of the mouse 100 controls charging of the battery 116 from a transmitter 114 for Bluetooth or other wireless connection, a rechargeable battery 116, and a continuously powered power pin of the connector 46. It may include a battery charger 118 and a tracker and transducer 120 for mouse 100 movement, button 106, 108 clicks, and scroll wheel 110 movement to provide the actual mouse functionality.

  In use, the mouse 100 is removed from the PCMCIA bay 14 and used as a normal cordless mouse. The mouse 100 is used as can be seen from FIG. 12 above, with the mouse finger end 104 being the highest over the middle portion 105 and the thin end 102 and side 112 being a mouse pad or mouse. Thinning toward the other surface. In this configuration, the user can grab the central portion 105 of the mouse 100 and the base of the user's hand can rest on the thin end 102. When mouse 100 is not in use, mouse 100 is inserted into PCMCIA bay 14, where mouse 100 can recharge its own battery. In the PCMCIA bay 14, the mouse 100 does not get in the way when stored, and is protected from loss or damage, and with the computer 10, the mouse 100 can be reliably used when needed. There is no need for a separate charging device or cord for mouse 100. For example, once inserted into the bay, the finger end 104 is flush with the side or end of the electronic device. Accordingly, the mouse 100 does not protrude or protrude outward from the housing of the electronic device.

  While the above examples provide some concepts regarding the scope and types of storable structures encompassed by the present technique, these examples are merely illustrative and list the scope of possibilities exclusively. It will be understood that is not intended. In fact, those skilled in the art will appreciate that other retractable structures that encompass functions other than those described herein are within the scope of this disclosure.

FIG. 6 illustrates one embodiment of a portable computer and insertable structure in accordance with aspects of the present invention. FIG. 6 illustrates one embodiment of a handheld computer and insertable structure in accordance with aspects of the present invention. FIG. 6 illustrates one embodiment of a remote control device configured to be inserted into a peripheral card slot of an electronic device according to aspects of the present invention. FIG. 6 illustrates one embodiment of a remote control device that is configured to be inserted into and charged in a peripheral card slot of an electronic device, according to aspects of the present invention. FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment of a foldable game controller configured to be inserted into a peripheral card slot of an electronic device, according to aspects of the present invention. FIG. 6 illustrates the foldable game controller of FIG. 5 open according to an aspect of the present invention. FIG. 6 illustrates the foldable game controller of FIG. 5 opened in accordance with aspects of the present invention. FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a game controller including a retractable cable according to aspects of the present invention. FIG. 6 illustrates one embodiment of a storage structure configured to be inserted into a peripheral card slot of an electronic device according to aspects of the present invention. FIG. 6 illustrates one embodiment of a cable storage structure configured to be inserted into a peripheral card slot of an electronic device according to aspects of the present invention. FIG. 6 illustrates one embodiment of a battery charging structure configured to be inserted into a peripheral card slot of an electronic device according to an aspect of the present invention. 1 is a schematic partial exploded view of one embodiment of a mouse configured to be inserted into a peripheral card slot of an electronic device according to aspects of the present invention. FIG.

Explanation of symbols

10 Electronic device 14 Peripheral card slot (bay)
42 Electrical connection 46 Electrical interface 100 Mouse

Claims (8)

A rechargeable remote controller configured to be insertable into and removable from a bay having a power connection on an electrical interface of an electrical device ,
A spacer extending from an electrical connection disposed on the remote control;
Power is supplied to the remote controller from the power connection through the spacer, and the spacer prevents direct physical contact between the electrical connection and the electrical interface. Features remote control . The remote controller of claim 1, wherein the power connection includes at least two power pins. An apparatus having a bay configured to receive a removable unit, the bay having an electrical interface configured to engage a connection on the unit to send power and data to the unit Have
3. A rechargeable remote controller according to claim 1 or 2, suitable for being present in the bay, wherein the electrical connection of the remote controller is located in the bay via the spacer. The remote controller is charged via the spacer when present in the bay by being configured to connect with a power supply portion of the electrical interface;
The electronic device, wherein the electrical connection portion is prevented from physically contacting a portion of the electrical interface other than the power source portion by the spacer. 4. The electronic device of claim 3, wherein when the remote controller is in the bay, the body of the remote controller is completely surrounded by the bay and the body does not protrude from the apparatus. The electronic device of claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the bay is configured to accept a storage medium when the remote controller is removed from the bay. The electronic device according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the bay is at least one PCMCIA card slot. The remote controller comprises a transmitter and the device comprises a corresponding receiver for cordless control of the device by the remote controller. The electronic device according to item. Placing a remote controller in a bay of an electronic device having an interface provided for connection with a corresponding connection in a device other than the remote controller;
Connecting the spacer of the remote controller to the interface to form an electrical connection such that power is routed from the interface to the remote controller via a spacer;
Using the spacer so that the interface does not form an additional electrical connection with the remote controller other than the electrical connection.

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